Thinking about a tummy tuck, but unsure of what exactly you’d be signing up for? You’re not alone. Here are 5 of the most FAQs (and answers) to help you better understand how good of a fit a tummy tuck may or may not be in your life:
1. About that tummy tuck – what’s the recovery like?
While liposuction is part of the tummy tuck, there’s much more to it, and that is why the recovery time for a tummy tuck is more substantial. At GLOW, we have elected to perform tummy tuck procedures using tumescent anesthesia as opposed to general, which does reduce same day recovery time. You’ll be able to go home the same day, but there will be some swelling, bandages to pay attention to and a follow-up in a couple of days with your GLOW cosmetic surgeon to make sure everything is progressing normally. Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort for a few days. When you do head home that same day, a customized and detailed recovery plan will go with you.
2. Great expectations?
The success of any cosmetic procedure depends greatly on what you are expecting. It’s cliché, but it’s also true: if you are expecting a tummy tuck to guarantee that you’ll immediately find the love of your life the next time you’re out with friends, that’s unrealistic. On the other hand, what your hopes are and what your GLOW cosmetic surgeon thinks is realistic will be discussed between both parties in advance, with the idea being that everyone is on the same page before the procedure takes place. Put it this way: there will be no mystery as to what reasonable expectations are by the time procedure day rolls around. We promise!
3. What about the scar?
Naturally, one fear many share when it comes to the idea of a tummy tuck is the dreaded scar. It’s a logical fear, after all, since incisions are part of the procedure and any time one goes “under the knife,” scarring is possible. With tummy tucks, though, any scarring can be dramatically reduced (and hidden) by your cosmetic surgeon, depending on skill and technique. At GLOW Surgical Arts, our cosmetic surgeons take great care to ensure your tummy tuck will leave a scar that’s as small as feasible and strategically placed so that most women wear 2 piece bathing suits without anyone being the wiser.
4. Pregnancies and tummy tucks, before and after
First, the before. As in, you’ve already had your child or children. And now, whether it’s a common post-pregnancy problem called diastasis recti (separated abdominal muscles), or simply some aggravatingly persistent loose and flabby skin sticking around no matter how much weight you lose, you are unable to exercise and diet your way to the stomach you want. So, now what? Should you just have to accept that your abs will never look the way you want? Should just have to avoid the mirror if you don’t like it? Of course not. The difficulty of post-pregnancy weight loss and body aesthetics is one of the main reasons tummy tucks are so popular.
Now, the after. You’ve had the tummy tuck. Are you now not allowed to get pregnant? Of course you are. This is a common concern among women considering tummy tucks, and it’s one a GLOW cosmetic surgeon will happily cover with you in detail before you get your procedure. But the short answer is that “yes” you can absolutely get pregnant and do it safely and healthily even after a tummy tuck.
5. How long ‘til it’s back to normal!?
There’s no way around it: tummy tucks require some recovery time. Even with the care we’ve taken at GLOW to perform our procedures in the least invasive, least recovery time required way possible… you won’t be “back to normal” the same day of the procedure. However, you won’t be down and out for long, either. Here’s one tummy tuck patient’s month-by-month diary of her recovery (note the distinct shift to general elation in month four) from her procedure. Every recovery is unique, so every “back to normal” will be different, but the bottom line is you will get back to normal. Most of our patients are back to work in 7 - 14 days and allowed to resume all their normal activity including exercise in 4 to 6 weeks. After your procedure, your GLOW cosmetic surgeon will send you home with a specific, tailored recovery plan. Follow it, and back to normal will arrive before you know it. It’ll just be a new “normal” that includes abs you’ll like looking at in the mirror!
Still have questions? Good! We’re happy to answer them. And that’s precisely why we offer free, no obligation consultations any time with one of our GLOW cosmetic surgeons. Click here or call (650) 241-2209 to schedule your consultation today. And remember that no you do not have to just avoid the mirror if you’re unhappy with the way your abs look!